Database Design

This open textbook presents a complete guide to database design principles and practice. It aims to equip students and professionals with skills to develop robust, maintainable database systems using the relational model. The textbook covers fundamental concepts and advances to modeling, normalization, transactions and administration. Practical exercises reinforce learning.

Recommended for: Beginner to intermediate readers interested in learning the fundamentals of database design and theory.

You will:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the history and evolution of database systems.
Learn about the fundamental concepts of databases, including data models, data modeling, and database management systems.
Explore the characteristics and benefits of using databases, as well as the different types of data models.
Understand the relational data model and the entity-relationship (ER) data model in-depth.
Learn about integrity rules, constraints, and functional dependencies in database design.
Study the database development process, including requirements gathering, conceptual design, logical design, and physical design.
Discover the different roles and responsibilities of database users, such as database administrators, database designers, and end-users.
Explore the Structured Query Language (SQL) and learn how to perform data manipulation and data management tasks.
Apply the concepts learned through hands-on exercises and examples, including a comprehensive university registration data model example.

Detailed Overview

Spanning 16 chapters, the textbook introduces fundamental database concepts before advancing to relational data modeling using entity-relationship diagrams. Readers learn to determine functional dependencies and apply normalization techniques up to Boyce-Codd Normal Form to eliminate anomalies and achieve optimal database structures. The text also covers topics such as transaction management, integrity constraints, database development processes, security and administration. Practical exercises, examples and solutions are provided throughout to reinforce learning. With its clear explanations, comprehensive coverage and emphasis on hands-on activities, the textbook serves as an excellent primary text for database design courses and reference for database developers. Its modular design also allows instructors flexibility in course customization.

Citation and License

Watt, A. and N. Eng. (2014). Database Design – 2nd Edition. Victoria, B.C.: BCcampus. Retrieved from https://opentextbc.ca/dbdesign01/. Open source under CC BY license. The license can be viewed here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/